In July, the number of jobs added was 330,000, a little more than half of what analysts predicted. Hospitality and leisure added the most jobs, 139,000. As women tend to be overrepresented in this sector, on Friday, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment Situation Summary,” comes out, we will see how much the unemployment rate changes for women, in general, and for Black and Hispanic women, specifically. Figure 1. shows how the unemployment rate for women has changed this year. 
The eviction moratorium ended Saturday, July 31. In Virginia, efforts are being made to restart state-level protection against evictions. Are efforts underway in your state to protect vulnerable renters and homeowners from eviction or foreclosure?
Yesterday, August 3, was Equal Pay Day for Black women. Black women must work 19 months to earn what white men earn from working a year, 12 months.
Oh, and COVID-19 cases are on the rise!
https://t.co/KTzQW0TtKJ. pic.twitter.com/KUn68tWsjr — CDC (@CDCgov) August 4, 2021
As I look towards my 55th birthday, I am grateful and optimistic.
I am grateful not to be one of the 35,171,679 Americans who have been infected with COVID-19 or one of the 611,791 Americans who have died from COVID-19 during the pandemic. I am also grateful not to have been one of 35,095 women who have died from COVID this year.
These stats are sobering and are a reality check.
I am still alive.
Therefore, I am excited about turning 55, even with more grey hairs and pandemic weight. My excitement is also fueled by reflecting on how much WISER has grown and on our future.
This morning, we got a notification that we were recommended for funding. I’ll share more when it is official.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a current funder who reminded me that it was good to be careful in my thoughts. She recognized my trepidation and gave me permission to alter the project.
I declined.
Our conversation was affirming. I am grateful for this wise woman.
Is there a wise woman you are grateful to have as part of your support network? If so, consider donating $55 to support WISER efforts in her honor.
